I was summoned by my Country, whose voice I can never hear but with veneration and love.

Always speak the truth.

[The adoption of the Constitution] will demonstrate as visibly the finger of Providence as any possible event in the course of human affairs can ever designate it.

[M]y wish is, that the Convention may adopt no temporizing expedient, but probe the defects of the Constitution [i.e., the Articles of Confederation] to the bottom, and provide radical cures.

Freemasonry is an institution founded on eternal reason and truth; whose deep basis is the civilization of mankind, and whose everlasting glory it is to have the immovable support of those two mighty pillars, science and morality.

I hope ever to see America among the foremost nations, in examples of justice and liberality.

I walk on untrodden ground. There is scarcely any part of my conduct which may not hereafter be drawn into precedent.